By Miriam Raftery

September 8, 2019 (Julian) -- A long-vacant lot in the heart of downtown Julian may soon become a town square with an amphitheater and community park to serve as a hub for community gatherings, holiday events, a farmer’s market, art walk and more. Over $182,000 -- nearly a third of the $600,000 funds needed--have been pledged, according to the Julian Town Square website.

East County News Service

August 30, 2019 (San Diego) – Actor/entertainer Nick Cannon, a San Diego native and former host of America’s Got Talent as well as MTV’s Wild N Out, will hold a social justice empowerment luncheon with national civil rights activist Rev. Shane Harris at the People’s Alliance for Justice national headquarters opening in San Diego at 7997 Paradise Valley Road on September 14 at 1 p.m.

East County News Service

August 21, 2019 (La Mesa) – The inaugural “ALS Challenge Me Slot Tournament,” a charity fundraiser benefiting the ALS Association Greater San Diego Chapter, will be held from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 25, at the Valley View Casino & Hotel, 16300 Nyemii Pass Road, Valley Center.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo, left: Twilight atop Mt. Helix during auction at HeART of Mt. Helix

August 16, 2019 (Mt. Helix) – More than 500 art aficionados, philanthropists, food and drink fans, and people who like to party turned out at the 12^th annual HeART of Mt. Helix  The event benefits the Mt. Helix Park Foundation which maintains the stone-stepped amphitheater, historic cross, surrounding park and wildlife habitat atop the mountain.

East County News Service

Augut 12, 2019 (San Diego) - Would you like to support your local firefighters when they need it most? If so, check out the Firefighter Go Bag Community Support Program a California based company is offering.  

FireMom.com’s Community Support Program delivers all of the health, hygiene, and nutritional items that are truly unique to firefighters’ needs, when they’re out fighting fires for days at a time, in one convenient Go Bag.

When you purchase bags from the program, FireMom.com delivers them directly to the fire departments that need them the next time a large fire happens. The program ensures firefighters get the supplies they need in a complete kit, with no lag time, or trying to piecemeal items together.  

East County News Service

July 24, 2019 (Jamul) -- After 11 years, Jamul resident Debbie Case, President & CEO of Meals on Wheels San Diego County, has announced her retirement. December 31, 2019 will mark the end of Case leading one of the largest regional senior wellness programs for home-bound seniors in San Diego.

East County News Service

June 10, 2019 (La Mesa) – “We’ve recently read and heard about the number of Hondurans coming to the United States,” says Scott Elam with the La Mesa Rotary Club. “Join us for another perspective to learn about Honduran women who are making great strides to improve the lives of their families and villages through the benefits of micro-financing.”

By Miriam Raftery

May 24, 2019 (Lemon Grove) – Trevon Harris, 13, dreamed of becoming an NBA player and played basketball with the Young Bulls, a recreational team in Lemon Grove.  But on May 3, he slipped on gravel outside his home in Lemon Grove and fell into the path of a vehicle, suffering a fatal head injury.

On June 1^st, the Lemon Grove Improvement Council and Coach Mark Horton will hold the first annual Trevon Harris 3-on-3 basketball tournament for players ages 10-14 at the Lemon Grove Rec Center, 3131 School Lane.  Teams are encouraged to sign up at Trevon-Harris.eventbrite.com. There will also be music, food, games and more.

“This charity event will memorialize Trevon who was taken too soon from his family and from our community,” says Teresa Rosiak-Proffit with the Lemon Grove Improvement Council. “The funds raised will allow us to award prizes to the players and we are going to set-up a scholarship/endowment fund so that we can help the youth of our community with the sports needs they may have. If a youth cannot afford to join in on a sport or needs sports equipment they can contact us and we will assist."

San Diego charity event brings fashion and fundraising together

May 10, 2019 (Rancho Santa Fe) - On Sunday, April 28^th, 2019, the Foundation for Animal Care and Education (FACE) hosted its Bags & Baubles silent auction extravaganza for the ninth consecutive year to raise funds and awareness for local pets in need of life-saving veterinary care. This year was one of the most successful yet, raising over $138,000 – and 100% of the proceeds will go back to the animals.  Established in 2006, FACE is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 public charity that provides financial assistance for emergency veterinary care for pet owners in need countywide. FACE strives to save lives, reduce economic euthanasia, and increase the wellness of San Diego’s pets. Learn more by calling 858-450-3223 or visiting www.face4pets.org.

By Mimi Pollack

Reprinted with permission from San Diego Jewish World, a member of the San Diego Online News Network.

April 28, 2019 (La Jolla) - Whenever I hear of an organization whose purpose is to build bridges of communication, I want to find out more. I was invited to attend the Sunday Seder of the San Diego chapter of the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom, an organization of Muslim and Jewish women, which was held at the Lawrence Family JCC. It proved to be a positive experience.

East County News Service

April 23, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) – A New Path (Parents for Addiction Treatment and Healing) celebrates its 20th anniversary of lifesaving advocacy with a gala evening on Saturday, April 27 from 6-10 p.m. at the Hyatt Mission Bay. Founded in Spring Valley, the organization provides education and advocacy for therapeutic drug policies and will celebrate two decades of community service.

East County News Service

April 1, 2019 (El Cajon) – The Home of Guiding Hands (HGH), a non-profit organization that provides services, training and advocacy to people with developmental and intellectual disabilities and their families, recently hosted its second annual “Pizza and Pets” event at its Verbeck Center headquarters in El Cajon.